University of Northern Iowa’s 150th anniversary arrives Sept. 6

Institution to observe sesquicentennial milestone with formal ceremony later this month

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa - The Iowa State Normal School opened its doors to 27 students on Sept. 6, 1876, setting the stage for the institution's growth into the Iowa State Teachers College, the State College of Iowa and, ultimately, the University of Northern Iowa. The 150th anniversary of that date arrives this Labor Day weekend, falling on Sunday, Sept. 6.

UNI will formally recognize the sesquicentennial milestone later this month, with a day of celebrations honoring the university's 150-year history and its tradition of public service. The public is invited to a commemorative program on Friday, Sept. 18 at 2 p.m. on Commons Plaza featuring remarks from UNI President Mark Nook and other university leaders.

The ceremony will also commemorate the 100th anniversary of the UNI Campanile, which was dedicated on Sept. 19, 1926. For a century, the campus icon has served as the heartbeat of campus and a gathering place for celebrations, remembrances and traditions that have shaped generations of Panthers. The event will also include the formal announcement of a new center on the UNI campus that builds on that longstanding commitment to public service.

"For 150 years, UNI has helped students reach their academic, professional and personal goals while serving communities across Iowa and beyond," said Nook. "This milestone is an opportunity to celebrate the people and traditions that shaped our proud past, while looking ahead to the bold future we will build together."

The Sept. 18 observance comes just ahead of UNI Homecoming Week, which will serve as the grand finale of the UNI Sesquicentennial Celebration and welcome alumni, students and friends back to campus. Additional details about the sesquicentennial celebration are available at 150.uni.edu.